Afternoon work for judges to clear court case logjam

Justice Minister Ionas Nicolaou said the new legislation is expected to be sent to the House before the end of the year

A number of judges will be appointed to work in afternoons in an attempt to settle long-pending court cases some of which date back to 2011, Justice Minister Ionas Nicolaou said on Monday.

The justice minister said that there were a number of old cases, some up to eight years old, waiting to be heard at the district court level and cases pending for up to six years at the supreme court.

“To deal with all these cases, we have agreed with the supreme court and with the Cyprus bar association to appoint an additional number of judges who will in the afternoon hear all the delayed cases.”

They will first start with those over four years old and then those over three years old.

The aim is to bring the time it takes for a case to be heard at an acceptable level.

Speaking to reporters, Nicolaou said the timeframe in place was that the changes would take place by 2020.

According to the justice minister, the decision nonetheless poses an important problem because it’s not as simple as finding a set number of judge but finding those with the proper qualifications. There is also the matter of the preparation they will need.

He was speaking after a meeting President Nicos Anastasiades had with a delegation from the Cyprus bar association which he attended.

Chairman of the association Doros Ioannides said “this is the first time proper work is being done.”

Studies on how to restructure and modernise the court system have been carried out “and we hope to see results before the end of the year,” he added.

According to Ioannides, thousands of cases went to court after the haircut on deposits in 2013 and as a result, cases filed in 2011, are only being heard now.

8 Comments

SuzieQ

I hope they’re going to be properly reimbursed– treble time and a big wodge of extra pension, at the very least…….

GrouseMaster

July 9, 2018 at 17:00

Is this for real?

Adele is back x

July 9, 2018 at 18:12

Unfortunately Yes.

Neroli

July 9, 2018 at 16:58

Oh no poor things, that’s tough having to work in the afternoons as well. What is this with everyone not working in the afternoons! Have your hour lunch break then get back to work ! Same with the banks they’re meant to be a business, get them open till 5.30 and Saturdays too!!

Cydee

July 9, 2018 at 16:51

So they’re putting the blame for backlog on the Haircut; that’s handy isn’t it…

Bob Ellis

July 9, 2018 at 16:48

The lawyers/MP’s can now earn even more in their 4 hour working days….

Adele is back x

July 9, 2018 at 16:38

Proper work being done ✅ ….Give me a break no wonder Cyprus is a mess …
But on the bright side my case might get to court within six years.

By continuing to use the Cyprus Mail, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.